Mitchell Shire Council has welcomed new funding allocated to review freight transport movements in Seymour.
Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne recently announced a $45,000 Victorian Government investment through the Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program to begin work on the Seymour Freight Network Study.
The $90,000 project - jointly funded by the State Government and Council - will review freight transport movement around Seymour, including analysis on local road freight options to connect to and from the Hume Freeway and the Goulburn Valley Highway.
The study will undertake modelling of population growth, regional economic development and industry forecasts, along with freight demand projections, future potential network restrictions and supply chain opportunities within Seymour.
Experts will also assess infrastructure requirements and improvements needed to support the movement of freight vehicles through Seymour.
The freight and logistics sector contributes $36 billion to Victoria's economy and employs about 260,000 Victorians - which is why future-proofing the freight industry is crucial for regional towns.
Freight volumes are predicted to increase from around 360 million tonnes in 2014 to nearly 900 million tonnes in 2051, and it is important to ensure that the freight network can handle this growth.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said freight is vitally important to regional economies, and Seymour plays a key role in Victoria's transport network.
"This study will help us understand current and future freight movements and ensure our roads and infrastructure are ready to meet the needs of a growing population and economy. By investing now, we are future-proofing Seymour for generations to come," he said.
"We thank the Victorian Government for partnering with Council to fund this important study. Combining our local knowledge with expert analysis will allow us to make informed decisions that improve safety, efficiency, and connectivity for freight movements through Seymour.
"This study isn't just about trucks and roads - it's about supporting local jobs, regional businesses, and ensuring Seymour remains a vibrant and accessible town as freight volumes continue to grow. Planning now means we can maintain a safe and efficient network for residents and industry alike."
Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne said by investing in projects like the Seymour Freight Network Study, the State Government were future-proofing the freight industry and ensuring jobs and economic security for regional Victorian towns.
"Maintaining and investing in our freight network ensures that goods are getting where they need to go, and that we're creating jobs across the state," she said.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the investment will help ensure Seymour has the right infrastructure in place to support local jobs, industries and the safe movement of freight now and into the future.
